Canada’s Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is a golden opportunity for ambitious undergraduates. This fully funded 12-week summer program takes you into Canadian university labs, working on real research projects under top professors. Open to international students from Mitacs partner countries, the program covers all major expenses (flights, housing, meals, insurance) while you gain hands-on experience in fields from engineering and science to social sciences. Imagine exploring Canada’s cutting-edge research landscape, building a global network, and boosting your resume – all through one transformative internship!
Overview of the Internship
- Host and Location: The Mitacs Globalink program is run by Mitacs – a Canadian nonprofit research organization – in partnership with universities across Canada. Interns join research teams at over 70 Canadian institutions. Projects cover diverse disciplines (science, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences) and take place at universities from coast to coast.
- Duration & Timing: Each internship lasts 12 consecutive weeks during the summer (May–October). You’ll start anytime between May 1 and July 31 and work full-time (40 hours/week) with your host supervisor.
- Goals: The program’s objective is to connect bright undergraduates with international research. Participants gain hands-on lab or field experience, learn Canadian research methods, and build connections with faculty and fellow interns. It’s a bridge to global talent and a chance to experience Canadian university life.
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About Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Mitacs is a Canadian organization that partners with industry and academia to support research internships and fellowships. The Globalink program specifically targets international undergraduates. It’s highly competitive: top applicants from partner countries (such as Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Pakistan, the UK, USA, and others) are matched with Canadian professors for summer projects. Participants receive guidance from faculty and graduate mentors, join a community of Globalink alumni worldwide, and even attend professional development workshops and industry events.
Benefits of the Program
- Full Financial Support: The internship is fully funded. Interns receive a generous package covering travel and living costs. This typically includes round-trip airfare to Canada, transport from the airport, a monthly housing stipend, meal and incidentals stipend, and emergency health insurance. Stipends vary by home country, but are designed to let you focus on research without worrying about expenses.
- World-Class Research Experience: You’ll work on a real research project under the supervision of a Canadian professor, alongside graduate students and peers. This means access to advanced labs and equipment, and the chance to contribute to meaningful discoveries. It’s a resume-builder that sets you apart.
- Professional Development & Networking: Mitacs offers free industry events and skills workshops during the internship. You’ll gain valuable soft skills (communication, teamwork, presentation) and meet professionals in your field. Plus, you’ll join the global Mitacs alumni network – a lifelong community of researchers and professionals.
- Cultural Immersion & Growth: Beyond research, this program is a cultural adventure. You’ll meet peers from around the world, experience Canadian campus life, and have fun with organized social activities. Many interns come away more independent and confident after living abroad. (The program even provides an official completion certificate recognizing your achievement.)
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Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all of these basic criteria to apply:
- Age & Enrollment: Be at least 18 years old and enrolled full-time in an undergraduate (or combined undergraduate/master’s) program at a recognized university.
- Academic Standing: Have completed at least two years of your undergrad, and have one to three semesters remaining after the internship. You should meet the GPA requirements set by Mitacs for your country (typically a strong academic record).
- Partner Country: Be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Mitacs partner country. This includes (for example) Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (Check Mitacs’s official list – eligibility can vary by partner organization.)
- Language: Be fluent in the language of your project (English or French). Some countries also require a language test certificate.
- Availability: Be able to complete the full 12-week internship between May and October. You must be in Canada for the entire duration.
- Restrictions: Previous Mitacs Globalink interns (or those receiving conflicting funding) are not eligible for a second award.
Meeting these criteria is just the first step – successful candidates are chosen for their motivation, research interests, and fit with the projects.
How to Apply
- Explore Projects: Once applications open, log into the Mitacs Globalink portal (globalink.mitacs.ca) and browse available projects across Canada. You must apply to at least three research projects (and can apply to up to ten). Be sure your project choices span at least three different Canadian provinces – this increases your chances of placement.
- Register on the Portal: Create an account on the Globalink portal and fill in your academic and personal details. Take note: there is no traditional “submit” button. Your application is considered submitted when the deadline passes, so complete all sections carefully in advance.
- Prepare Documents: Before you apply, get the required materials ready. This includes: your CV (or use the Mitacs CV template), official academic transcripts in English or French, a personal statement (explaining why you want to research in Canada), and at least one reference letter from a professor. If transcripts aren’t in English/French, have them translated and notarized. Ensure your passport will be valid through January 2026.
- Complete the Online Form: In the application, you’ll list your research interests, skills, and reasons for applying. Attach your documents (CV, transcripts, statement, reference letter) to the online form. Double-check all entries and save your progress regularly.
- Review & Submit: Review your application thoroughly. Once you’re satisfied, wait for the portal to officially close (applying early just locks in your application). Make sure all uploaded documents are clear and your reference letter follows Mitacs’s guidelines. Incomplete or late applications won’t be considered.
Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself time to revise essays and confirm references.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit your Mitacs Globalink internship application for summer 2026 is Wednesday, September 17, 2026 (1:00 p.m. Pacific Time). Mark this date clearly on your calendar – late applications cannot be accepted. (Remember, Pacific Time is used, so adjust if you are in another time zone.)
Conclusion
This is a rare chance to jumpstart your research career and experience life in Canada. The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship offers not just funding, but a world of learning and connections. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate – prepare your application now, and encourage friends or classmates to do the same.
Apply now before the deadline! Don’t miss this chance to gain global research experience and make lifelong international connections. Good luck!
